March 11, 2026
Dear Bryan County Families,
Every day, approximately 11,000 students walk through the doors of Bryan County Schools. Behind each of those students are parents, grandparents, and caregivers — more than 20,000 strong — who trust us with their children’s future. That trust is something we take seriously.
Bryan County continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Georgia. With that growth comes tremendous opportunity — and real responsibility. Some of our schools are already experiencing overcrowding, and several of our facilities are aging. Planning ahead is not optional; it is essential to maintaining the quality of education our community expects and our children deserve.
On May 19th, voters will consider the renewal of ESPLOST — the continuation of the existing one-penny sales tax — along with authorization to issue up to $200 million in bonds to build new schools and improve facilities as growth demands.
This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the current penny already in place. Because ESPLOST is a consumption tax, it also helps lessen the burden on Bryan County residents by allowing visitors and others who make purchases in our community to contribute to funding school facilities.
ESPLOST dollars are legally restricted and can only be used for capital projects such as building new schools, renovating facilities, purchasing school buses, upgrading technology, safety, and paying debt service on voter-approved bonds. These funds cannot be used for salaries, utilities, or day-to-day maintenance and operations (M&O). By using ESPLOST revenue to pay debt service, we reduce the need to rely on property taxes for these large capital expenses — helping protect taxpayers from increases that might otherwise be necessary.
The bond authorization does not increase what taxpayers currently pay in debt service. Instead, it provides flexibility to build schools when they are needed — much like financing a home — except this “home” will serve thousands of students for generations to come. The bonds are paid back over time, and the repayment structure is intentionally designed so that larger payments occur later in the schedule. This allows ESPLOST collections and property digest growth — driven by our expanding community — to support repayment responsibly without increasing the current debt service burden.
This decision is about more than buildings. It is about ensuring that students have safe, modern, and appropriately sized learning environments. It is about protecting the strength of our school system and the value of our community for years to come.
We encourage you to review the ballot question and additional information linked below and make your voice heard on May 19th.
Ballot Question: https://aptg.co/SFmNbX
ESPLOST Facts: https://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/page/esplost-facts
Every day, approximately 11,000 students walk through the doors of Bryan County Schools. Behind each of those students are parents, grandparents, and caregivers — more than 20,000 strong — who trust us with their children’s future. That trust is something we take seriously.
Bryan County continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Georgia. With that growth comes tremendous opportunity — and real responsibility. Some of our schools are already experiencing overcrowding, and several of our facilities are aging. Planning ahead is not optional; it is essential to maintaining the quality of education our community expects and our children deserve.
On May 19th, voters will consider the renewal of ESPLOST — the continuation of the existing one-penny sales tax — along with authorization to issue up to $200 million in bonds to build new schools and improve facilities as growth demands.
This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the current penny already in place. Because ESPLOST is a consumption tax, it also helps lessen the burden on Bryan County residents by allowing visitors and others who make purchases in our community to contribute to funding school facilities.
ESPLOST dollars are legally restricted and can only be used for capital projects such as building new schools, renovating facilities, purchasing school buses, upgrading technology, safety, and paying debt service on voter-approved bonds. These funds cannot be used for salaries, utilities, or day-to-day maintenance and operations (M&O). By using ESPLOST revenue to pay debt service, we reduce the need to rely on property taxes for these large capital expenses — helping protect taxpayers from increases that might otherwise be necessary.
The bond authorization does not increase what taxpayers currently pay in debt service. Instead, it provides flexibility to build schools when they are needed — much like financing a home — except this “home” will serve thousands of students for generations to come. The bonds are paid back over time, and the repayment structure is intentionally designed so that larger payments occur later in the schedule. This allows ESPLOST collections and property digest growth — driven by our expanding community — to support repayment responsibly without increasing the current debt service burden.
This decision is about more than buildings. It is about ensuring that students have safe, modern, and appropriately sized learning environments. It is about protecting the strength of our school system and the value of our community for years to come.
We encourage you to review the ballot question and additional information linked below and make your voice heard on May 19th.
Ballot Question: https://aptg.co/SFmNbX
ESPLOST Facts: https://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/page/esplost-facts